Pictures: Five Things We Learned From UConn-UMass

CaptionYawon Smallwood

UConn defeated UMass 37-0 in the season opener Thursday night at Renstchler Field. UMass was playing its first FBS game. Next up: N.C. State, a legitimate FBS opponent and much tougher test. Staff writer Desmond Conner breaks down what we learned: Linebacker Yawin Smallwood is a good leader: The sophomore had a good game on all fronts, including a team-high seven tackles. It must have felt like 14 to the Minutemen. He had a sack and was batting down balls, too. Smallwod was disruptive all night. We learned the linebackers are all solid, but Smallwood¿s performance showed he is the leader.

UConn defeated UMass 37-0 in the season opener Thursday night at Renstchler Field. UMass was playing its first FBS game. Next up: N.C. State, a legitimate FBS opponent and much tougher test. Staff writer Desmond Conner breaks down what we learned: Linebacker Yawin Smallwood is a good leader: The sophomore had a good game on all fronts, including a team-high seven tackles. It must have felt like 14 to the Minutemen. He had a sack and was batting down balls, too. Smallwod was disruptive all night. We learned the linebackers are all solid, but Smallwood¿s performance showed he is the leader.

Utilize Nick Williams in every way: The senior receiver, punt and kickoff return specialist accounted for 143 yards against the Minutemen, including 66 yards on three punt returns and 24 yards rushing. He had a catch for 16 yards and a kickoff return for 37 yards. Williams said he¿ll go wherever the coaches put him. He just wants to contribute any way he can. The Wes Welker-type did that aplenty against UMass.

Utilize Nick Williams in every way: The senior receiver, punt and kickoff return specialist accounted for 143 yards against the Minutemen, including 66 yards on three punt returns and 24 yards rushing. He had a catch for 16 yards and a kickoff return for 37 yards. Williams said he¿ll go wherever the coaches put him. He just wants to contribute any way he can. The Wes Welker-type did that aplenty against UMass. (STEPHEN DUNN|sdunn@courant.com)